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Amateur Trent Peterson wins 2014 Minnesota State Open

Trent Peterson Captures MN State Open in Sudden Death Playoff

Amateur Trent Peterson of Valleywood Golf Course outlasted professional Justin Smith, from the University of MN Golf Course, in a sudden death playoff to win the 2014 Minnesota State Open at Bunker Hills Golf Club in Coon Rapids, MN. Peterson, had a commanding 5-shot first round lead after posting the tournament low score of 9-under par 63. He came back to the field in the 2nd round after shooting 74 and was tied with Smith (68-69) going into the final round. Professional Donald Constable, from Spring Hill, was one shot behind at 6 under par and 4 other players within 2 shots of the lead.

At one point in the final round, there were 6 players tied for the lead until Constable took control on the back nine after he birdied holes 10 and 13 to get to 9-under par. It appeared Constable was on his way to clinching the title, however, with bogeys on the 16th and 17th holes, Constable fell back a stroke with Peterson and Smith gaining control. The duo finished the regulation 54-hole event tied at 8-under par, with Constable finishing the tournament at 7-under.

Trent Peterson 2014 Minnesota State Open Champion

Smith, a former University of Minnesota golfer, overshot the green on the first playoff hole and wasn’t able to save par. Meanwhile Peterson, was steady reaching the green in regulation and two putting for the victory. Peterson was emotional in his acceptance of the championship trophy dedicating the win to family friend and past president of Hazeltine National Golf Club, Bill Travis, who passed away on Saturday. Justin Smith earned $9,000 as the lowest scoring professional in the event. Click here for the full tournament results.

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